The happiest days of our trip to Russia were the ones where we said goodbye to the orphanages and began our life together. The orphanages were bleak, brown, brick structures with few windows on the outside, but bright and clean on the inside. There were colorful play areas and dedicated caretakers who were happy to see the boys adopted, but cried when we left as they said goodbye. While we waited for clearance to return home, we explored the beautiful churches and museums of Moscow's Red Square taking lots of photos so the boys could see them as they grew.
The first days at home in New England were pure joy for our families, neighbors , and most importantly our older step kids, Bretta and Ryan, who welcomed Nick and Max with open arms. Both Nick and Max were learning to understand English as we spoke only very little Russian. Little outings like going to parks or even malls were such new experiences for them after living in orphanages. They were mesmerized by cars and trucks, and toy stores were such fun experiences for all of us. We also finalized their American adoptions in Court so that we could obtain American birth certificates; another day to celebrate our forever family!
We had to wait for an appointment at the federal offices in Boston in order to formally request citizenship for Nick . Although it seemed mundane as we sat in the cold, stark, agency, the moment they handed Nick a little American flag and his naturalization certificate, we were elated. We knew how special that moment was. We took pictures outside in Boston and then later at home. Months later, Nick went to the formal swearing in of new citizens where he raised his hand for the oath. Two years later, when we adopted Max, Congress had passed a law making foreign adoptees automatic citizens when entering the U.S. When we got his citizenship certification, we celebrated once again.
The years pass so very quickly and they have all been joyful. Family events, school, sports, college, jobs, technology...it has, been and is, still amazing. One of the really fun things we did together was write our own scary stories. Nick and Max always asked for a "scary story" when we would buy books, but there were none for their young ages of around six and three when we started creating our own. Now years later, as young adults, they are actively involved with KID HERO BOOKS and the development of our kid hero stories.
A Few of the Many Who Work So Hard To Make Forever Families
